Wand Curling Irons

Today we are going to be talking about a exciting new product called a curling wand. These have become very popular in recent years, and you will find that there are a big variety of them currently on the market. So how do you decided which one to get? Which one will be best for styling your hair? In this article we will talk about some of the different features you will find on these wands, and some of the better ones to invest in. If you have already done your research, you can head to the bottom of the page to take a look at some of the recommended models.

Why choose a wand curling iron?

Some of you may be wondering why you should choose a wand over a traditional style curling iron with a clamp. This is a very valid question, but there is a good answer to it. The reason is to avoid creasing your hair. When you use a curling iron with a clamp, you end up leaving small dents in your hair which can destroy the entire look. When it comes to using a wand, you simply curl the hair around the barrel and there is no chance of this happening. This is the major advantage to this way of doing it. Many people also say it is much quicker to use a curling wand, but I think it all boils down to how much experience you have had doing it.

What kind of features do they come with?

If you decide to buy a curling wand, then you will need to make a mental note of some of the features you will need to get that perfect hair style! When taking a look at curling wands, one of the first things you should look out for is the overall temperature of the unit. Most models range in the temperature capabilities, but this is definitely something to keep in mind if you have thicker hair. Those of you with thicker hair will need a hotter wand to penetrate the hair, so be mindful to find something that can do this. Most semi-decent wands can go over 400F so bear this in mind. If you are unsure what kind of temperature your hair reacts to, you don’t need to worry. Most come standard with temperate controls which allow you to test out a variety of temperatures to see which will react best with your hair. Everyone is different, so it is up to you to experiment and see what works best.
The startup time of the unit is also important. Generally the cheaper the unit is, the longer it will take to get fully heated. The budget models can take between 30 seconds to a minute to get ready to curl. The mid and higher grade products can take as little as 10 seconds to get fully heated, which is obviously ideal if you need to curl in a hurry!

The next feature to consider is the warranty. Most of the budget wands come with a one year warranty as standard. Some of the mid range and higher end models come with lifetime warranties, so if you are looking for a long term investment then perhaps look out for one with a respectable warranty.

The handling and the comfort of the unit should be something else you keep in mind. Remember that if you are new to use a curling wand, it will take you a will to get the hang of the motion. It is also important for the unit to have a well designed handle, as one small slip could cause some serious burns if you aren’t careful. Many units come with non slip handles for this very reason. Others come with ergonomic handles for extended comfort over long periods of use. The location of the buttons is also somewhat important. Some of the cheaper models have buttons right on the center of the handle, which can be pressed by mistake which is annoying. This is a small detail, but remember to look out for this.

What other features should you consider?

Next up you will need to decide if you want a single barrel or a unit that comes with interchangeable barrels. The disadvantage to getting a single barrel unit is that it limits you to one length of curls depending on what thickness barrel you go for. A thin barrel such as a 1/2″ tends to make very tight curls, whereas a thick 2″ one creates long waves. A single barrel unit is cheaper, but you will need to buy a new one if the barrel can’t create the right length curls you desire. A interchangeable set is obviously the best kind to get if you want to experiment with your hair, or if you often get bored and want to try out a new style for a while. These kinds of sets do cost a little more, but it is worth it in the long run if you don’t know what size barrels you need to get.

The safety features of the unit are also important, and there are some options you should be aware of. Many of the newer models have a safety cut out feature, which kicks in after the machine has been left idle for x amount of minutes. This saves electricity, and helps to prevent any serious damage to your property if you leave it on by mistake. Some of them can be programmed by yourself to switch off after a certain amount of time.
The ability to stand unattended is also a must. Some of the earlier models didn’t feature such a ability, but many of the newer ones have little legs or extensions built in so you can switch the unit on and leave it to warm up on it’s own.
The cord is another element to consider, and many feature a heat resistant cord to stop any damage if it comes with the wand curling iron when it is switched on. Some of the pricier units also feature a swivel cord system, which ensure that the cord doesn’t get in your way when you are busy sorting out your hair.

There are a few other little additions that some of the better models come with. Some have travel bags, so you can keep all your wand accessories together. Others support dual voltages, so you can use them in different countries without need a voltage converter.
Now that we’ve looked at some of the important features to consider, we will have a look at some of the best rated models you will find.

Recommended model – Remington Pearl Wand

If you are in the market for an affordable wand, then the Remington Pearl ceramic model is certainly worth a look. This model comes in two different sizes of either 1/2″ – 1″, or the larger “1- 1 1/2 “. Both of these models retail for under $25, which makes them fantastic value for money. This model heats up to temperatures between 270F – 410F, and comes with a protective glove to keep your hands safe. It has an auto shutoff function which kicks in after 60 minutes, and lcd screen allows you to keep an eye on the current temperature. At the time of writing, this model had over 3500 five-star user reviews on Amazon, which certainly shows how popular a choice it is! You can get more info on this model and read some of the many happy user reviews over on the Amazon product page.

Recommended model – ISO Beauty 5P Wand

The ISO Beauty 5P set is another highly rated choice, as it comes with 5 interchangeable barrels, and a number of other great features. With a retail price of around $60 it isn’t too expensive, and has a number of premium features such as the quick heatup and swivel cord. It has an operating temperature range of 122F – 410F, which makes it quite a bit more versatile that the Remington above. All the barrels are coated with Tourmaline, which helps with the production of negative ions to help lock the moisture in your hair when you are curling it. The barrel sizes include the 19mm, 25mm, 32mm, and the tapered 9-18mm and 18-25mm. This model also has many great reviews, and you can read some of those over at the Amazon product page.